Ring visits Kipp Heartwood Academy

San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Brad Ring visited the Kipp Heartwood Academy in San Jose on Wednesday afternoon in San Jose as a part of the Amway Kicks for Kids program. The Amway Kicks for Kids program, in its second year, helps teach local youth about the importance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

The students greeted the rookie midfielder with cheers and applause as he took his place in front of the crowd of 150 children who attended the assembly.

The Illinois native stressed the impact a healthy diet and active lifestyle had on his life. Ring told the children how a healthy diet helped him to have the energy to play soccer at a competitive level. He also explained the importance of being active and getting enough rest to perform at your best. Ring gave the children examples of nutritious foods and activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

After he finished speaking, Ring selected a group of students to join him onstage in a game of “Head Catch” where the students were supposed to catch the ball when thrown to them, and when he yelled catch, they were supposed to head the ball. Ring also helped lead a juggling contest with some students.

To conclude the afternoon, Ring signed autographs and posed for photographs with the children. Earthquakes staff passed out t-shirts and two tickets to the Quakes match versus the Kansas City Wizards on Aug. 14 at Buck Shaw Stadium at 7 p.m. to all the children.

The Earthquakes and Amway teamed up to create the Amway Kicks for Kids program in 2009. The program is in its second season and through the program, Earthquakes players will visit 15 schools or community centers in the Bay Area to discuss the importance of being active and living a healthy lifestyle.